LaMalfa Votes to Strengthen United States Military

March 8, 2017
Press Release

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1301, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017 – allocating $583.7 billion in total discretionary funding for fiscal year 2017. The bill passed by a margin of 371-48.

LaMalfa said: "A strong national defense is absolutely critical to our continued success and safety as a nation. This bill provides the necessary funding to ensure our soldiers are properly trained for combat, properly equipped on the battlefield with superior technology, and properly taken care of when they return home. In recent years, we've watched as our military has been denied the support necessary to maintain its tactical edge. Today we voted to raise the pay of our military personnel and allocate funding to support a larger, more advanced reserve force. With tensions high across the globe, we must show the world that America's military is ready and able to protect us from any who would wish to threaten our sovereignty."

Key components of H.R. 1301, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017 are as follows:

Ensures military readiness and provides essential equipment

  • Provides $215.3 billion for key readiness programs that prepare our troops for combat and peacetime missions.
  • Outfits our military force to conduct successful operations by providing $117.8 billion for equipment and upgrades.

Maintains our technological advantage

  • Keeps our military on the cutting edge of defense technology by providing $72.7 billion for research and development.

Supports military personnel

  • Maintains a strong, robust active and reserve force by providing $132.1 billion for military personnel.
  • Fully funds the authorized 2.1% pay raise for military personnel.
  • Provides funding for important health programs and research, including: $125 million for traumatic brain injury and psychological health research, $312 million for cancer research and $296 million for sexual assault prevention and response.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.